Inclement Weather Protocol

The following information is provided to help parents understand how the district determines whether or not to hold school or delay opening school on bad weather days and the notification procedures which are in place. Please note that student and staff safety is our first priority. The decision to call off school is a very important one and is made only after thorough consideration.

As inclement weather and winter approaches, so does the potential for late start schedules and school closures. Here are some things to remember:

We will proactively send students home with technology devices so that learning may continue if inclement weather prevents students from attending school in person. In addition, we ask all parents to stay connected through our district notifications and their child’s campus notifications for updates on online learning instructions if a pivot due to inclement weather is needed. 

In the event of a school closure or late start: 

We consult multiple sources before making decisions on closing or delaying school activities, which may include communication with:

  • Local first responders

  • Transportation officials

  • Area school districts

  • Meteorology experts

If a decision is made to close or delay school, district officials will post notifications by 5:30am on the day of school through the communication channels listed below:

  • Lancaster ISD Thrillshare: Lancaster ISD Automated Call/Text/Email (If your contact information has recently changed, please visit the Lancaster ISD Parent Portal to update your information to receive district notifications.)

  • Lancaster ISD Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

If a decision is made to end the school day early or cancel after-school programs/activities, district officials will notify the public as soon as it’s appropriate through the following communication channels:

  • Lancaster ISD Thrillshare Alert System: Lancaster ISD Automated Call/Text/Email (If your contact information has recently changed, please visit the Lancaster ISD Parent Portal to update your information to receive district notifications.)

  • Lancaster ISD Social Media:  Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

Lancaster ISD will always communicate with you first regarding inclement weather delays or closings. In addition, the following media outlets will have information regarding current weather conditions in our area:

  • Television Stations:  KDFW - Channel 4; KXAS - Channel 5; WFAA- Channel 8; KTVT - Channel 11

  • Radio Stations:  KKDA (104.5 FM); KLTY (94.9 FM); and WBAP (820 AM)

     

Procedures for Closing or Delay

The existence of inclement weather, such as an accumulation of frozen precipitation on the roadways, may necessitate a delayed opening or cancellation of the school day. When there is a cause for concern about the weather, the Superintendent, District Chief of Police, and Chief Operations Officer will monitor weather conditions and act as follows:

  • No later than 4:30 AM, the Superintendent, District Chief of Police, and the Chief of Operations will discuss the weather and its impact on the operation of the district.

  • Lancaster ISD Police will report road conditions to the Superintendent or Designee.

  • After hearing the recommendations, the Superintendent will make the decision on school operations for the day. That decision must be made no later than 5:30 AM. (pending weather conditions).

  • If the decision is to close the schools or delay their opening, that decision will be communicated to the Chief of Communications and Board President immediately.

  • The Chief of Communications will communicate with parents, staff, and students via district notification systems, including social media, the website, radio, and television.

  • The Director of Transportation will make the appropriate notifications and scheduling changes.

  • The Board President will contact the Board of Trustees.

If school is canceled due to inclement weather, the district's first option will be to pivot to a virtual learning day, provided the inclement weather does not disrupt electrical connectivity. If virtual learning is not an option, the inclement weather could result in a full school closure.